Senior Development Executive - Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS)

Senior Development Executive - Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS)

University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK with some hybrid working options

Permanent and full-time role

Salary: Grade 8 role with a salary range of £49,119 - £58,265 pa, with possible extension to £65,336 (including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year, pro rata)

Have you ever wondered how the universe was first formed – or how the Earth works today, from earthquakes and volcanoes to climate systems and oceans? What about how technology and AI will change the world of the future – from healthcare diagnostics and drug discovery, to the next generations of batteries, cleaner energy, and resilient infrastructure?

The University of Oxford’s nine academic departments within MPLS span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Research in MPLS tackles major societal and technological challenges – whether developing new energy solutions or improving cancer treatments, understanding climate change processes, or helping to preserve biodiversity.

The Division is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders. As Senior Development Executive, you would deliver philanthropic support that helps to fund breakthroughs in this research and exploration, that will have a positive impact on the world we live in and beyond.  Oxford will shortly be embarking on the public phase of a multi-billion campaign – the most ambitious in higher education outside North America, so this opportunity comes up at a career defining moment in the UK.  If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, please read on.

The opportunity
Philanthropy has played a key role in enabling the ambitions of the MPLS Division and wider University, and we are seeking a talented fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to raise money to support ground-breaking academics and research tackling the world’s hardest challenges, and enabling talented students from all backgrounds to study at Oxford.  This could be your opportunity to help the brightest students, academics and researchers develop solutions that protect and improve our lives on this planet and beyond.

Working closely with the Head of Development – MPLS, as well as some of the most inspiring scientists in the world, you will forge relationships with existing and new donors.  You will have the support of excellent colleagues across the sciences at Oxford as well as the wider Development & Alumni Engagement office – the leading higher education fundraising team outside North America.

About you
You are an accomplished philanthropic fundraiser with a proven track record of securing major gifts and a confident and collegiate approach to achieving results. Creative, strategic and relationship-driven, you bring the ability to engage, inspire and influence donors, enabling you to be successful in major gift fundraising in the £100k–£1m+ range across individuals, trusts and corporate partners.

You will play a central role in building and stewarding meaningful relationships, working closely with a diverse community of donors and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the MPLS Division. Your success is underpinned by your:

• strong record of quickly establishing credibility and trust with senior internal and external stakeholders;
• intellectual curiosity and an active interest in the world around you;
• collaborative mindset, combined with an entrepreneurial and proactive approach;
• ability to work confidently in the detail while maintaining a clear focus on strategic objectives; and
• high emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills, enabling you to connect with people from all backgrounds.

An interest in science is essential, but you do not need an academic or professional background in the field. Above all, we are seeking a passionate advocate for philanthropy – who believes in the impact it can have, knows and implements best practices to achieve results, AND is motivated to enable world-changing discoveries.

In return
Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

·         Flexible hybrid working

·         An excellent contributory pension scheme

·         38 days annual leave

·         Training and development opportunities

·         Membership of CASE

·         A comprehensive range of childcare services

·         Family leave schemes

·         Cycle loan scheme

·         Membership of a variety of social and sports clubs

·         Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and improve lives around the world. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

We are partnering with Richmond Associates for this search.  To request a copy of the candidate information pack and to apply, please visit  the Richmond Associates website by following the Apply button, or contact them on +44 (0)20 3617 9240.

Closing date for applications is 12noon Thursday, 26 March 2026
Interviews with the University of Oxford are scheduled to take place from mid-April 2026.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.